Episode 328: FORT Robotics at MODEX 2022
Fort Robotics joins The New Warehouse podcast live from MODEX 2022. David Sullivan, Principal Product Manager, and Mike Zipperer, Product Development – Cybersecurity Director from Fort Robotics, discuss safety technology in the warehouse space. Fort Robotics is a four-year-old start-up spinoff of a previous company focused on landmine removal. Fort Robotics uses the same suite of technologies to enhance the safety and security of all sorts of smart machines and robotics. Key Takeaways David explains that any “dull, dirty, or dangerous” job is likely a good fit for automation or robotics, which is why we see many technologies developed for the military are also applicable for logistics and warehousing. He adds the military’s robust budget doesn’t hurt either, as they can fund more advanced technology development. Mike and David explain as robotics become more commonplace in warehouse environments, we need to improve the ability to protect personnel. One way Fort Robotics is making warehouses safer is through its nano safety control. For example, embedding the nano safety control into a mobile robot allows safety commands to be sent wirelessly, and black channel communications technology ensures the integrity of the safety commands. As much as we joke about robots taking over, malicious actors or hackers are a legitimate concern. Mike shares how this is a real safety risk due to the size and physical presence of some automated machinery. The nano safety controller protects against almost any form of hack. This level of security keeps personnel safe and allows roboticists to focus on navigation and visualization problems. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 328: FORT Robotics at MODEX 2022
Motion AI opens new facility in Minnesota
Motion Industries, Inc., a distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts, and a premier provider of industrial technology solutions has announced Motion Ai’s new and extensive facility, which officially opened on June 1, 2022. The address is 7350 Golden Triangle Drive, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, 55344. As an industrial automation solution provider, Motion Ai needed a larger space for its growing business. The new 105,000-square-foot premises features a gain of 55,000 square feet over the old location, which was also in Eden Prairie. The larger space allows for integrated use, including a regional sales and support center, classrooms for employee and customer training, a regional fulfillment center, assembly and fabrication shops, a proof-of-concept design area, and engineering labs for customer product and demonstration engagement. In addition, Motion Ai capabilities at this facility include large conveyor system builds, complete automation system builds, robotic and machine vision solutions, expanded pneumatic and machine control solutions, machining, welding, and more comprehensive value-added offerings. “We wanted to meet the growing demands of our customers and the industry by growing every facet of automation and robotics solutions,” said Aurelio Banda, Motion’s Senior Vice President, Automation Intelligence. “Our investments allow for future, incremental expansion within our structure up to 30% beyond our current growth plans. This will also allow us to add employees over time.” Randy Breaux, President of Motion, said, “Opening this state-of-the-art automation facility represents just one more way we anticipate our customers’ needs in production efficiency across virtually all industry sectors. This is an important step in our long-term growth strategy, and we’re excited to see the upward trajectory of technological innovation and services that the new Motion Ai location will support.” Motion Ai will hold an open house at the new facility in Spring 2023.
Big Joe announces new Autonomous division
The new venture focused on end-user goals will be led by Nick Malewicki Today Big Joe Forklifts announced the creation of its autonomous division. As robotics is set to progressively play a larger role at each step of the supply chain, Big Joe recognized the need to develop an autonomous division to serve its customers as warehouse and manufacturing environments look to adopt new technologies in response to labor shortages and other operations challenges. As a milestone in this venture, Big Joe has begun building a team with several recent new hires, including industry expert Nick Malewicki who will serve as general manager. The strategy behind the new division is a distinctively different approach to the market than what the industry is seeing from competitors. This introduction is turning the traditional automation mindset in material handling somewhat on its head. Instead of developing highly rigid, expensive, and resource-intensive implementations, the Big Joe approach looks to empower users with simple machines that can be set up and deliver positive ROI beginning on day one. “Big Joe is known for making small utilitarian lift trucks matched to a task, and what we are preparing for customers is so well aligned with what we have done for over 70 years. It is just hugely exciting for everyone involved with the brand,” said Bill Pedriana, Chief Marketing Officer at Big Joe. Pedriana has been highly involved in the development of the company’s initial autonomous products and strategy over the past few years, which has focused on developing ‘User Directed’ cobots, like the BUD prototype unveiled at MODEX in Atlanta earlier this year. “A lot of what we do at Big Joe is, at its core, really about empowering people,” continued Pedriana. “That follows through not just to the how and the what, but the who. Having Nick lead our new division speaks volumes as to how we are uniquely looking at developing automation solutions for customers from their perspective, not from a software, engineering, or tech-heavy philosophy.” Nick Malewicki comes to Big Joe from Pactiv Evergreen, the leading manufacturer of fresh food and beverage packaging in North America. Nick’s 25-year career in the distribution, manufacturing, and packaging industries progressed from operations, engineering and automation, to leading teams to enhance profitability through cost savings initiatives. In his most recent role at Pactiv Evergreen, Nick was responsible for providing the strategic initiatives for over $100M of capital projects for a business unit, including the implementation of automation solutions, warehouse facilities improvements, and managing over 1,500 leased material handling assets. As general manager for the new Big Joe autonomous division, Nick will be drawing from his considerable end-user expertise to focus the new divisions’ efforts on making automation easy and practical for customers to understand, deploy and support. “My intense immediate focus is on commercialization and preventing scope creep temptations as we move into 2023. Our upcoming autonomous products are on track to be simpler and lower priced than traditional offerings that our distribution partners and potential customers will simply be amazed,” said Malewicki. “Our big differentiation is that we will be able to quickly and successfully deploy autonomous products that actually work, every day, and exceed end-user expectations. As a former end user, I couldn’t be happier to be building a team and leading our efforts to deliver on that promise for our customers.” Big Joe Forklifts plans to announce additional details on automation products and technology partnerships during Q1 2023, with a formal product introduction at ProMat 2023 which runs March 20-23 in Chicago.
A ‘time to shine’ for warehouses
Pandemic conditions have improved, but the new era of labor shortages and increased demand continues for warehouses. In this environment, some say a steady increase of automation within warehouses is occurring. This month, Material Handling Wholesaler talks with industry leaders about how they see automated processes building new opportunities in warehouses across the industry. A ‘time to shine’ for warehouses At AutoScheduler, CEO Keith Moore said the company aims to be “the brain” inside distribution centers. The company launched two years ago inside Procter & Gamble, where Moore said the business founders “cut our teeth.” AutoScheduler.AI is a warehouse resource planning and optimization platform that “dynamically orchestrates all activities on top of your existing warehouse management system in real-time,” the business website said. The solution is designed to focus on and optimize all of a warehouse’s critical activities, including dock scheduling, loading, unloading, case picking, and creation of transfer orders, the site said. “With more supply chain challenges than ever, AutoScheduler combines data from numerous systems into a single operational plan for warehouses and distribution centers. It takes disparate data, identifies bottlenecks, and prescriptively creates plans to orchestrate campus operations for optimized efficiency,” the website said. The aim of the company is to help planning to be more effective, according to Moore, who said today AutoScheduler workers with some of the largest consumer goods providers in the industry. As a solution designed to work on top of a Warehouse Management System to orchestrate plans and processes, AutoScheduler is able to work many moves ahead of what is occurring, according to Moore. He said this is not unlike how technology is now able to orchestrate outcomes in a chess game. In chess, there are 64 squares and 16 pieces under a player’s control, and “since 1997, it has been impossible for a person to beat a computer,” said Moore, noting how many moves ahead a computer can see. Similarly, AutoScheduler is designed to incorporate a bigger picture in coordinating items, people, and equipment. The more complexity, the more opportunity, according to Moore. In the current environment, Moore said he believes inventory concerns for warehouses might “smooth out a bit” but labor will remain in demand. “That’s part of why automation has become so popular over the past few years,” he said, noting there are fewer employees working many years on a job, making it more difficult for companies to build the productivity and consistency desired. “People are understanding they need to do something to get consistent productivity out of the warehouse, to be able to meet the demand in a consistent way,” Moore said. “The challenge is, people that run operations, they’ve been in supply chain and logistics for a while and they’re not technologists,” he said. This is where AutoScheduler can help, according to Moore. He said AutoScheduler solutions help to orchestrate planning systems, making sure all of the processes flow and work together. In general, Moore thinks productivity rates are a little lower today versus five years ago due in part to the impacts of labor shortage. “It’s hard to replace a really experienced forklift driver,” Moore said. That said, he also believes warehousing and operation teams are more innovative now. “Warehouses are probably getting the investment needed,” said Moore, who said there are more technologists and more investment in automation overall. And as focus outside the industry focuses on supply chain and material handling in general, Moore added that it is a “remarkable” industry to work in. “It’s warehousing’s time to shine,” he said. “We can take opportunities and take advantage of what we have to innovate and drive value.” Automation advances Tecsys is also offering solutions for warehouses across the globe. The company’s supply chain solutions software is currently used in over 100 countries across the world, according to Adam Polka, Director of Public Relations. “Our solutions and services create clarity out of operational complexity with end-to-end supply chain visibility. Our customers reduce operating costs, improve customer service, and uncover optimization opportunities,” said the business website. Bill Denbigh, Vice President of Marketing, described how many of the company’s Nordic partners have incorporated automation in operations of all sizes. “They look at automation as part of being a solution to the future. I think there is a realization that adopting advanced supply chain solutions isn’t anymore just for the big boys,” Denbigh said. As automation solutions are explored in companies of all sizes, tighter circumstances are sometimes a driver, according to Denbigh. “I’ve got to get today’s orders out by 2 p.m. or I’ve got real estate issues I can’t outgrow anymore. Or I want to offer my customers a service that my competitors don’t offer or can’t,” he said. Automation offers ways to personalize, create unique packaging options, and more, according to Denbigh. He is seeing more engineering work in warehousing, describing one of Tecsys’ customers, a third-party logistics provider, that has many engineers on site. “They take an organization in and say, ‘We’re going to design a system for you. Specific racking, processes, we’re going to allow you to do these things,” Denbigh said. He also described how one of Tecsys’ customers designed systems to create the special sustainable packaging their own customers wanted. “It’s not going to slow down. It’s going to be a force,” he said, of automated advances, describing how his wife’s shampoo company sends her the product she wants when she needs it and with her name on the label. All of this requires a sophisticated process. “Think of the technologies that are required to supply that,” said Denbigh, noting how well this tailored approach works. “It’s locked in my wife as a consumer,” he said. A grocery retailer, however, would not require this type of system, according to Denbigh. So, he envisions a future of specialization within warehouses. Tecsys offers diverse solutions, from a simple warehouse management system that is implemented from the first touch to life in 28 days to an enterprise-grade system in which a project can be six to eight months, according to Polka. “Automation is not one thing,” he said, advising businesses to consider what a
Plus One Robotics’ Parcel Handling Solutions surpass 500 million picks
Plus One Robotics, the fastest and most reliable parcel-handling robotics platform, performing over one million parcel picks each day in production, has announced that its platform has reached over half a billion parcel picks globally– currently an industry-leading metric. “Our north star will always be to increase our customers’ total picks per day,” said Erik Nieves, Plus One Robotics’ CEO and Founder. “To everyone at Plus One, 500M represents more than just parcels picked, it’s a milestone demonstrating that our clients have come to rely on our tech every day. That’s a half billion parcels that were sorted on time and at quality.” Ecommerce currently accounts for 20% of total retail globally and is expected to hit 30% by 2030. This growth, in combination with ongoing labor shortage issues, makes the implementation of automated solutions a key strategy for shipping and fulfillment companies across the world, with the global warehouse automation market estimated to grow at a CAGR of ~15% from 2022 – 2030. Plus One Robotics’ solutions for parcel induction and depalletization employ 3D sensors and AI-powered software with optimized robot grippers to pick and place disparate parcels within sortation or distribution centers. Key to Plus One Robotics’ effectiveness is its unparalleled human-in-the-loop (HITL) approach. Employees, remote or on-premise, can supervise multiple robots from any location, speeding the robot’s ability to handle exceptions and facilitating machine learning that keeps downtime to a minimum, enabling 24/7 fulfillment.
MassRobotics announces collaboration with AMD to Advance Adaptive Computing in Robotics
MassRobotics, an innovation hub and startup cluster focused on the needs of the robotics community, today announced it is collaborating with AMD to introduce and deliver technologies to robotics startups. Through the industrial suite of AMD tools, platforms, and an accelerated app store designed for the robotics industry, robotics startups will be able to further develop innovative solutions around automation, mobility, AI, and machine vision-related applications. AMD, widely known for their FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) and adaptive SoCs (system-on-chips), are bringing offerings, such as the Kria KR260 Robotics Starter Kit and Kria Robotic Stack (KRS), which are focused on bringing easy-to-integrate hardware acceleration of ROS 2 to MassRobotics resident startups. The AMD Kria robotics starter kit, tool flows, and accelerated libraries enable key functions, such as communication, control, vision, AI, safety, and security features in robotics systems to be targeted for intelligent factories, farms, warehouses, and hospitals. As the development platform for volume production Kria K26 SOMs (system-on-modules), the KR260 is built for robotics and multiple industrial applications, complete with high-performance interfaces and native ROS 2 support for ease of development by roboticists and software developers. MassRobotics startups can leverage pre-built Accelerated Applications for Kria SOMs from the AMD Xilinx App Store as a starting point for their ROS-centric development. The Kria KR260 has Ubuntu 2022.04 support from Canonical as well as ROS 2 support from Open Robotics. “Kria SOMs were developed to make the benefits of adaptive computing accessible to roboticists, software, and AI developers in small and medium-sized businesses,” said Chetan Khona, senior director of Industrial, Vision, Healthcare and Sciences Markets at AMD. “Our close work with MassRobotics builds on that mission and we look forward to enabling their resident startups with scalable, low-latency, and deterministic embedded computing technology as the de facto building blocks of next-generation robotics.” Deeply embedded in the robotics industry, AMD is also: A Gold Sponsor of ROSCon 2022, taking place in Kyoto Japan on October 19-21, 2022, an event to learn from and network with the ROS community Joining MassRobotics at its Robotics Engineering Career Fair on October 20, 2022, as part of RoboBusiness in Santa Clara, CA Based in the Boston area, MassRobotics is the first and largest independent nonprofit robotics startup escalator in the world whose mission is to grow and support robotics innovators and entrepreneurs. MassRobotics and its partners work together to enable robotics and related technologies to succeed as an industry.
LANXESS selects Emerson for Advanced Automation Technology
Emerson to supply control systems, software, and engineering services Specialty chemicals company LANXESS has selected Emerson, a global software and technology provider, as a Global Alliance Partner for automation technology, enhancing its existing long-standing relationship. By upgrading its control and safety systems, and digitally transforming its production facilities, LANXESS aims to optimize operational performance and support sustainability targets. The companies have signed an initial five-year global agreement. Emerson will help drive the adoption of advanced automation technologies and enable more efficient project implementation that will allow LANXESS to achieve shorter time-to-market for new products. “We are pleased to expand our collaboration with Emerson and work more closely to develop digital automation solutions that help improve operational performance. Emerson’s automation solutions will support us on our growth path and further drive the digital transformation of production at LANXESS,” said Marcel Beermann, head of global procurement and logistics at LANXESS. The agreement will be supplemented by joint projects to develop and implement applications and analytics software to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and performance, while also delivering on sustainability goals. “LANXESS and Emerson have enjoyed a successful relationship for many years,” said Mark Bulanda, executive president of Emerson’s Automation Solutions business. “This new agreement enables us to accelerate the implementation of advanced automation solutions and digitalize processes that increase operational efficiency, improve energy usage, and lower emissions.”
Lincoln Electric signs definitive agreement to acquire Fori Automation, Inc.
The acquisition will accelerate the automation growth Strategy with new complementary capabilities, expanded scale and international reach Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Fori Automation, Inc. (“Fori Automation”). Fori Automation, a privately held automation engineering firm founded in 1984, is a leading designer and manufacturer of complex, multi-armed automated welding systems, with an extensive range of automated assembly systems, automated material handling solutions, automated large-scale, industrial guidance vehicles (AGVs), and end of line testing systems. Fori Automation primarily serves automotive and aerospace OEMs and is headquartered in Shelby Township, Michigan, the U.S.A. with additional operations in six international facilities across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The acquisition will accelerate Lincoln’s Higher Standard 2025 strategic goal of achieving $1 billion in automation sales by 2025 with the addition of new and innovative automated capabilities including large-scale assembly, automated material handling solutions, and end-of-line testing systems. These complementary solutions will extend Lincoln’s market presence within the attractive automotive sector, better position Lincoln Electric to capitalize on accelerating investments in automotive EV platforms, and offer cross-selling growth opportunities to Lincoln’s industrial customers. The acquisition would also extend Lincoln’s automation footprint in South Korea and India and expand Lincoln’s existing presence in Europe, China, and Latin America. The Fori Automation acquisition is expected to increase Lincoln Electric’s annual automation sales by approximately $225 million at comparable EBIT margins to Lincoln Electric’s current automation portfolio and is expected to be accretive to earnings. “This transaction represents an exciting growth opportunity for both organizations by bringing together best-in-class automation platforms and engineering expertise to drive value for all of our stakeholders and accelerate our automation growth and resources to advance our Higher Standard 2025 strategy,” said Christopher L. Mapes, Lincoln’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Customers are increasingly investing in automation to efficiently grow their businesses, and our organizations are at the forefront of helping automotive, aerospace, and industrial customers achieve their operational goals.” The definitive agreement provides for a cash purchase price of $427 million, subject to a customary working capital adjustment. The Company intends to fund the transaction with cash on hand and arranged credit. The proposed acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022.
CAD2SCAN named best innovation in machine vision at the VISION Show
Israel-based smart inspection planning company c has announced that its CAD2SCAN software has received the VISION Award for best innovation in the machine vision industry. The award was presented at the VISION show on October 5, 2022, in Stuttgart, Germany. “Being recognized with the VISION Award reflects on the incredible capabilities of our CAD2SCAN technology as a leap forward in automatic inspection planning,” said Dr. Yossi Rubner, founder and CTO of Kitov.ai. “We would like to thank VISION for this honor and congratulate the other finalists on their innovative technologies.” CAD2SCAN technology significantly simplifies the setup of robotic inspection systems using CAD-based automated inspection planning. It expands the capabilities of Kitov’s software platform and allows for complete automation of product inspection from the CAD to the actual manufacturing line. Quality engineers can define their inspection requirements directly on a complex CAD model, simply and intuitively, saving weeks or even months compared to manual programming. Particularly useful for parts with complex geometries, CAD2SCAN automatically extracts specific geometric and semantic information for each inspection requirement marked on the CAD. This information is passed on to the relevant semantic detectors performing the inspection tasks. In addition to having built-in semantic detectors such as surface, label, screw, and existence detectors, Kitov.ai’s open software platform allows easy integration of third-party detectors that can benefit from the planning and reporting services provided by the platform. CAD2SCAN also optimizes inspection plans with accuracy and throughput in mind, guaranteeing full coverage while reducing robot motion and the number of images needed to cover all regions of interest, minimizing total inspection time. Automatic CAD-based inspection planning is a game-changer for industries that manufacture complex parts and products. CAD2SCAN technology is implemented as a plugin to common CAD software systems. (It’s currently available for SOLIDWORKS and Creo.) It also supports the evolving QIF (quality information framework) ISO standard and can parse visual inspection requirements embedded into it. The CAD2SCAN project was funded by the Israel–U.S. BIRD (Binational Industrial Research and Development) Foundation and completed in partnership with Capvidia, a provider of true model-based definition technology.
Episode 321: Plus One Robotics
If you love talking warehouses and robotics, this episode is for you. Erik Nieves, founder of Plus One Robotics and industrial roboticist, joins Kevin for today’s episode of the New Warehouse podcast. Plus One Robotics provides 3D and AI-powered vision software that helps robots perform better in warehouses and other factory settings. Erik and Kevin discuss how this technology is being used to improve accuracy and efficiency to meet eCommerce’s demands. Erik shares his insights on the future of robotics and the automotive industry’s role in robotics gaining popularity in warehousing and supply chains. Key Takeaways Regarding warehouse robotics, Erik says there are only three types of tasks that need to be performed: mobility, manipulation, and storage. As Nieves explains, the challenge is that each of these tasks requires different skills. Mobility is about navigation and obstacle avoidance. Manipulation is about picking up and placing objects. And storage is about…well, storing things. Erik and his team look for opportunities to use robotics to improve efficiency and enable workers to focus on more valuable tasks. Automating less desirable work, like breaking down pallets and sortation, can help make warehouses run more smoothly. In addition, Nieves sees robotics as a way to help workers become more efficient and productive. By using robots to automate repetitive and dangerous tasks, workers can focus on more value-added activities. Erik agrees that robots vs. jobs is a legitimate question but makes a compelling argument against robots taking jobs. He presents the idea that robots are entirely unmotivated, and while great at tasks, he jokes they make lousy employees. He says if people are reassigned to more value-added work when robots come into warehouses and distribution centers, they command a higher wage. Consumers ultimately benefit from higher quality goods and services. Erik believes we need to make employees three to four times more efficient to address the labor shortage. He adds that when you add robots and people, that is where the true magic happens, hence the name Plus One Robotics. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast Episode 321: Plus One Robotics
Tompkins Robotics adds Legal Counsel and Business Development Executives to its leadership team
Tompkins Robotics, a global provider focused on the robotic automation of distribution and fulfillment operations, has announced two new leaders to its executive team in response to company growth. Pat Mathavan has joined the company as Legal & Intellectual Property (IP) Counsel, and Michael Carmody was named Vice President of Robots as a Service (RaaS) Business Development & Sales. In his new role, Mathavan is responsible for all legal matters for Tompkins Robotics and manages the company’s IP portfolio, which includes the preparation and prosecution of patent applications and trademark applications worldwide. Previously, he held in-house IP/Patent attorney roles at Vesuvius Corporation, IBM, and at various law firms specializing in intellectual property. Pat earned his J.D. with a specialization in Intellectual Property Law from Quinnipiac University School of Law, his MBA from Southern Connecticut State University, and his B.S. from SUNY Maritime College. He is admitted to the North Carolina and Connecticut bars and is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He is also a Registered Engineer-in-Training (EIT) in New Hampshire, and currently pursuing his MEng in electrical and computer engineering from North Carolina State University. As Vice President of RaaS Business Development and Sales, Michael Carmody brings more than 24 years of Supply Chain expertise in deploying engineered solutions and technology applications across North America and Mexico. With a focus on the third-party logistics market, Michael is tasked to chart a compelling roadmap for the Robots as a Service subscription offering recently unveiled by the company. Prior to joining Tompkins Robotics, Carmody led 3PL Business Development for AutoStore North America; delivered software transformation as Principal Consultant in transportation system implementations with enVista, and led cloud TMS implementations for MercuryGate. Carmody has established a track record of effective supply chain design and optimization success across Fortune 500 networks. Michael is fluent in English, with working Spanish skills. Carmody is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Masters in Geography focused on logistic networks optimization and earned a Bachelors from Carthage College. Additionally, he co-founded a non-profit organization providing supply chain leverage for smaller organizations helping communities rebuild after natural disasters.
Joe Pajer appointed as Chief Executive Officer and President of Seegrid
Seegrid Corporation, a provider of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for material handling, has announced that Joe Pajer has joined the Company as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Mr. Pajer succeeds Jim Rock, who will continue as a Seegrid shareholder and advisor. Mr. Pajer will also serve on the Board of Directors. Pajer comes to Seegrid with more than 40 years of experience in the technology industry, including having previously served as CEO of Calero-MDSL (a technology expense management software company), Thinklogical (a high-end video switching company sold to Belden), and Vocollect (a warehouse automation software company sold to Honeywell). Prior to these roles, Pajer held leadership positions with Marconi, FORE Systems, Compaq, and AT&T. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering and a Master of Science degree in management, both earned at Carnegie Mellon University. “We are delighted to have Joe at the helm of Seegrid,” said Steven F. Kaplan, Chairman of the Board. “I have worked with Joe for over a decade. He is a great fit for Seegrid. Not only is he a strong leader, but he is a Pittsburgh native, a CMU graduate, and an engineer. And he is a three-time winner as a CEO.” “I am very excited to be joining Seegrid at this time,” Pajer commented. “Seegrid’s innovative and proven solutions are already enabling a long list of blue-chip customers to achieve significant operational improvement and financial savings in their manufacturing and distribution operations. At the same time, Seegrid is expanding its technological leadership, enabling entry into exciting and very large new markets. I am looking forward to helping this world-class company achieve new heights.”
Integrating mobile robots from multiple vendors
Creating heterogeneous fleets of mobile robots by integrating products from different vendors is the next step in warehouse automation. CoEvolution is bringing this technology to the US. CoEvolution, a provider of intelligent logistics solutions, has announced it will soon be entering the US market with a solution that enables the creation of fleets of mobile robots from multiple providers by integrating with and talking directly to the robots. The CoEvolution solution does not simply just connect existing robot systems, it also offers a unified robot control system meaning it can talk directly to robots from any provider. Essentially, it functions as a ‘universal translator’: an open platform that can integrate with any mobile robot. The technology allows logistics companies and warehouse managers to build unique warehouse automation solutions tailored to their specific needs. This capability has been enabled by two important developments. First, the mobile robot market has reached a high level of maturity, meaning there is now a wide range of cheap, reliable, and capable mobile robots easily available. Second, recent major advances in software planning technology have broken the barriers to the coordination of multiple robots from different fleets in a warehouse environment. These advances have involved taking video game technology that enables the planning of movements of multiple agents and applying it to real-world fleets of heterogeneous robots. Lijun Zhu, CEO of CoEvolution, says: “Because of the US market’s ever-growing demand for e-commerce and the ongoing labor shortage, many logistics companies are starting to think about implementing full workflow automation. This requires a combination of specialist robots from different providers. It is a difficult challenge to solve, but CoEvolution has invested heavily in this technology. “We have developed strong expertise in helping logistics companies to solve the problem of creating and coordinating heterogeneous fleets of robots from diverse providers. Effectively, we fulfill the role of both software developer and systems integrator for warehouse automation solutions. The results speak for themselves. One recent customer in South Korea – Yunda Express Korea – has doubled its storage capacity and reduced labor costs by 40%. “As an Asian company, we’ve got experience at working in some particularly challenging and fast-moving Asian markets. Now we are bringing that expertise to the US. We are currently looking for on-the-ground business partners in the US. And we’ll be attending the ProMat show in Chicago in March 2023. We hope to meet you there!”
AMT’s COO Craig Salvalaggio to present at A3’s International Robot Safety Conference
Applied Manufacturing Technologies COO Craig Salvalaggio will present “The Important Role of System Integrators in Robot Safety” at the International Robot Safety Conference (IRSC) hosted by Association for Advancing Automation (A3) on September 28, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) has announced Craig Salvalaggio will present in person at the 2022 International Robot Safety Conference (IRSC) in Columbus, Ohio. Salvalaggio’s presentation, entitled “The Important Role of System Integrators in Robot Safety,” takes place on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at 8:30 am ET. The presentation educates end users on key criteria for choosing a robotic system integrator partner to ensure project success and covers the RIA Certified Integrator Program, the end user’s perspective, standards, risk assessments, and more. The presentation is based on Salvalaggio’s foundational eBook, “The End User’s System Integrator Selection Guide.” “I am excited to present again at the International Robot Safety Conference on this popular topic,” said Salvalaggio. “Attendees will learn the right questions to ask and how to navigate the selection of a system integrator to have a productive relationship.” The IRSC will be in person for the first time since 2019. The conference will examine key issues in robot safety and provide an in-depth overview of current industry standards and best practices. For more information or to register, visit the IRSC website. A FANUC Authorized System Integrator and three-time winner of the FANUC Sales Growth Award, AMT offers full-service systems integration, specializing in end-of-line solutions, complex material handling systems, and engineering support such as turnkey industrial controls, robotic programming, and automation consulting. Bringing together best-in-class technologies and custom automation, AMT provides high-quality, cost-effective automation solutions. The company’s solutions have benefited manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, medical, alternative energy, fabricated metal, industrial machinery, rubber and plastics, food and beverage, and many other industries.
Matthews Automation Solutions listed as a Sample Vendor in 2022 Gartner® Hype Cycle™ for Supply Chain Execution Technologies
Matthews Automation Solutions, a provider of innovative material handling systems and software, and proven process optimization expertise, has announced that it has been identified as a Sample Vendor in the 2022 Gartner Hype Cycle for Supply Chain Execution Technologies. Matthews Automation Solutions was named in the Warehouse Execution Systems and Warehouse Controls Systems categories. [1] The Gartner Hype Cycle is a graphic representation of an emerging technology’s maturity lifecycle and potential adoption trajectory. Hype Cycles insights help clients see the evolution of these technologies and evaluate application deployment opportunities beneficial to their business goals. According to the Gartner Hype Cycle for Supply Chain Execution Technologies, “Warehouse execution systems (WESs) are a hybrid of technology that blends capabilities from traditional warehouse management systems (WMSs) and warehouse controls systems (WCSs). WESs enhance work management in automated warehouses and manage the interplay between automated and manual processes. WESs leverage near-real-time insight into work in the automated warehouse, combined with advanced business logic, to improve the flow, orchestration, and prioritization of work.” In the Hype Cycle for Supply Chain Execution Technologies, Gartner states “Supply chain technology leaders, especially in e-commerce, retail and high-volume direct-to-consumer, are under pressure to drive increased throughput at lower costs per order, which is pushing the need for high-velocity automated fulfillment. WESs is a potentially good fit for new automated order-picking strategies, and companies will look to WESs to help support increased volume and velocity.” “As an established warehouse execution system and warehouse control system provider for over 25 years, Matthews Automation Solutions specializes in providing Information Anywhere and adaptive intelligence through our dynamic suite of warehouse software products. Our breadth of installations of legacy products including Pyramid Director and Compass CORS spans over 500 sites in multiple continents,“ says Gary Cash, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Matthews Automation Solutions. “With, NEXUS, our next-generation WES, we expect to continue setting the standard in terms of managing flow, optimizing performance, and delivering compatibility with virtually any device by leveraging our web-based platform. According to us, being recognized by Gartner highlights our authority in the supply chain execution technology market.” [1] Gartner, “2022 Hype Cycle for Supply Chain Execution Technologies,” Dwight Klappich June 27, 2022.
Zion Solutions Group leading the way as a recipient of the Women in Supply Chain Award
Zion Solutions Group, a supply chain integrator, has announced, Controller, Kathy Frank as a recipient of the 2022 Women in Supply Chain award by Supply & Demand Chain Executive. Receiving this outstanding award showcases Zion’s values and mission to be a team committed to building up others. With 18+ years in the Supply Chain Industry as a Controller and SVP of Operations, Kathy Frank has been an integral part of the Strategy Team and led the creation and implementation of Zion Solutions Group’s financial systems prior to their launch at the beginning of 2022. She continues to be the team member that establishes standard processes and develops programs to ensure employee satisfaction and maximize business efficiency. This year, she is putting in place administrative tools (ERP, HR, Payroll Systems) that will allow Zion’s team members to focus on solving customer problems versus company problems. Respectively, this emphasizes Kathy’s example of leadership and sets a foundation for women at all levels of a company’s supply chain network. Kathy Frank, recipient of the Women in Supply Chain Award, said “it is truly an honor to receive the Women in Supply Chain award. I am excited to continue to be a part of a thriving industry, to work with, mentor, and coach the current and next generation of leaders.” Zion Solutions Group is exceptionally proud of Kathy Frank and hopes to continue leading the way as an industry leader through innovation to enhance the company and better serve its customer with creative solutions to solve their toughest challenges.
inVia Robotics’ Lauren Ziccardi and Kristen Moore are winners of the 3rd Annual Women in Supply Chain Award
Ziccardi and Moore’s combined efforts have helped retailers and 3PLs of all sizes leverage inVia’s AI-powered Automation System to meet eCommerce demand inVia Robotics’ Vice President of Solutions Development, Lauren Ziccardi, and Chief Marketing Officer, Kristen Moore, have been named winners of the 3rd annual Women in Supply Chain Award by Supply & Demand Chain Executive, the only publication covering the entire global supply chain. Alongside Ziccardi and Moore’s leadership, inVia Robotics has brought to market unique technology that makes logistics warehouses more efficient and more productive in spite of a shortage of labor. The Women in Supply Chain award honors female supply chain leaders and executives whose accomplishments, mentorship, and examples set a foundation for women at all levels of a company’s supply chain network. In the past year, Ziccardi and Moore have helped shape the supply chain industry by shining a light on the breadth of automation options available and how to determine the right solution for each warehouse. Warehouses utilizing inVia Robotics’ AI-powered Automation Solution have been able to digitize and automate their operations in a way that increases both productivity and accuracy. At a time when they’re facing more consumer demands than ever before, they can optimize their warehouse by strategically placing inventory, synchronizing the movement of resources, and automating rote fulfillment tasks. “It’s an honor to receive this recognition alongside such dedicated, talented, and well-respected women in the supply chain industry,” says Ziccardi. “I feel empowered by the fact that I am able to make a difference for our customers, and the industry as a whole, as they not only plan for what’s in front of them, but also for what’s to come.” inVia’s systems are offered on a subscription basis, where customers pay only for the productivity of the system. There are no big capital outlays or burdens of equipment ownership & maintenance, and technology updates are included in the service. So, as new features and performance enhancements are added, customers always have the latest technology advances at work in their warehouses. inVia operates the robotics system with 24/7 monitoring and support and ensures labor – both people and robots – is managed throughout the day to get orders out on time. “I am both grateful and humbled to have been selected for this award,” says Moore. “It has been an honor to work alongside other supply chain industry leaders the last four years to help navigate a time of tremendous growth and change. I am more invigorated than ever to bring ground-breaking automation technology to the market in a way that supports our customers and helps their businesses thrive.” “When I launched this award three years ago, I was prepared for an uphill battle. I was envisioning a long road ahead in getting the supply chain industry educated enough as to why it was important to recognize women in the supply chain. But, this award, the winners and those who submitted nominations—both men and women—is a testament that supply chain organizations were already recognizing their female leaders; they just needed a better platform,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Food Logistics. “This year, we received over 280 submissions. Almost 100 of those submissions came from men. I’m so proud of everyone who participated, both men and women. I’m proud to call these women mentors, role models, and industry friends. I’m proud to interview them, support them and help promote their journey. And, I hope to see all of this year’s and past years’ winners at our upcoming Women in Supply Chain Forum.” Earlier this year, inVia Robotics was also awarded the 2022 Top Supply Chain Projects Award by Supply & Demand Chain Executive. inVia’s true robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) model was awarded for transforming the distribution center of an entertainment merchandise third-party logistics provider (3PL). By implementing inVia’s comprehensive warehouse execution system (WES) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), the 3PL was able to increase productivity rates by 1,000%. Go to https://sdce.me/7wmmgj to view the full list of 2022 Women in Supply Chain winners.
Westfalia promotes Alex Eisenhart to Manager of Business Solutions
In his new role, the former Solutions Architect will lead internal business process development, and data quality management, and oversee the integration of software suites and tools Westfalia Technologies Inc., a provider of logistics solutions for manufacturers and distributors, announces the promotion of Alex Eisenhart to Manager of Business Solutions. Since his hiring in 2007, Alex has excelled as a Senior Software Developer and then Solutions Architect, working in the applications engineering/sales side of the business. In this new role, Alex will be responsible for leading a team of developers as they support data analysis and data management processes within Westfalia’s internal ERP system, as well as rolling out major feature sets that empower the company to be more agile. With a background in enterprise software development and management, Alex has employed traditional software development practices to expedite the adoption of modern data analysis methodologies, solidifying him as a valuable resource for Westfalia’s ongoing success. The new Business Solutions team consists of a multidisciplinary cross-section of operations experts with software development backgrounds. Dan Labell, president at Westfalia, said, “With Alex’s many years of experience in solutions and software development roles within Westfalia, I know he’s going to succeed in leading this team through designing automated solutions for a number of current and upcoming projects. His ability to architect and implement high-performing server applications ensures we are operating with the most refined automation tools available to manage our business more efficiently.” As the Manager of Business Solutions, Alex will assist other leaders throughout Westfalia, helping them remove their roadblocks and increase their speed of delivery, from creating warehouse designs to providing customer support. In addition to tackling internal support of mission-critical systems, Alex’s team will “be responsible for keeping an eye on internal ERP projects, to ensure that we’re using technology appropriately, and to find ways to leverage what other teams create. That could be workflows, automation, custom applications, or CRM and ERP solutions.” “I’m excited to lead a team of highly skilled professionals who are passionate about distributing their knowledge and support, allowing Westfalia to thrive,” said Alex. “By combining operations and software specialists into one team, we’ll be uniquely positioned to provide insight and business intelligence to everyone at Westfalia.” Alex received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Digital Media from Albright College. He also spent time studying Microprocessor Programming and Network Systems abroad at Reutlingen University.
Cutter & Buck chooses AutoStore empowered by Kardex to support their Renton, WA Fulfillment Center
As an apparel manufacturer and distributor, Cutter & Buck is known for high-quality clothing crafted for active lifestyles and engineered for exceptional versatility. Originally founded on Seattle’s working waterfront, Cutter & Buck clothing is perfect for work, travel, date night, golf, walking, boating, hiking, entertaining, and showing fan support for a favorite MLB, NFL, or NCAA College or University Team. Increased sales through its own website, other e-commerce retailers, point of sale locations at golf courses, resort destinations, licensed product Fan Shops, and corporate apparel have led to consistent company growth and increased inventory levels within its fulfillment operation. To accommodate this growth, Cutter & Buck will implement an AutoStore system from Kardex in their Renton, WA location to support their apparel picking and fulfillment operation. Cutter & Buck selected AutoStore, an automated cube storage technology solution, empowered by Kardex for the speed and density of the solution. The Kardex Control Center software (WCS) will drive the AutoStore goods to person fulfillment solution. AutoStore is a fully automated and intelligent goods-to-person storage and retrieval system offering industry-leading product storage density. Bins are stacked vertically in a grid and retrieved by intelligent, battery-powered vehicles that travel on top of the grid system, sorting, carrying, and delivering bins to the respective workstations (ports), where a variety of warehouse operations can be performed (picking, replenishment, inventory control, etc.) by warehouse personnel. The flexible, tailor-made system fits even the most unusually shaped facilities, allowing the grid to be placed around columns, on a mezzanine, and on multiple levels. The bins are stacked neatly on top of each other in a condensed grid-style system, increasing storage capacity up to four times and performance up to 10 times that of traditional storage methods. AutoStore can easily adapt to changing order fulfillment requirements through a flexible configuration of the robots, ports, and quantity of bin locations.
RoboBoston Festival includes MassRobotics 5th Annual Robot Block Party celebrates the world’s largest robotics cluster
RoboBoston, one of the largest celebrations of robots and robotics of its kind, takes place in the innovative Boston Seaport neighborhood on Friday, September 30th, and Saturday, October 1, 2022. More than 40 companies and universities will gather to showcase cutting-edge robotics and technology in a series of professional and STEM-related events. RoboBoston will be held at Seaport Common, 85 Northern Avenue, Boston, and is free and open to the public. “Massachusetts has long been a leading area for robotics companies to establish themselves, innovate and grow,” said Colin Angle, CEO of iRobot and board member of MassRobotics. “A decade ago, there were only a handful of robotics companies in Massachusetts. Today, we are 400+ strong and a significant part of the technology economy. I’m delighted that MassRobotics is again bringing RoboBoston to life and sharing the excitement of robotics with the technology community, students, and future roboticists.” RoboBoston will feature the following events: STEM Field Trip Day, September 30 for grades 7-12 includes interactive activities and demonstrations from FIRST robotics teams Robotics and AI Technical Career Fair, September 30, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. VIP reception for senior leaders and roboticists (by invitation) The 5th Annual Robot Block Party, October 1, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: A family-friendly event, free and open to the public The Robotics and AI Technical Career Fair will feature dozens of companies hosting information sessions where candidates can learn more about each organization, discover open positions, understand what career tracks look like, and schedule interviews. Participating companies are listed on the RoboBoston landing page. Job seekers must register for the event in advance on Eventbrite here. Robotics and AI companies interested in participating in the career fair should contact MassRobotics at info@massrobotics.org. “Massachusetts is a national leader in robotic technology, and Boston’s Seaport is a hub for innovation in this sector. WS Development is excited to once again partner with MassRobotics to bring RoboBoston to Seaport. This two-day event offers an exceptional opportunity for robotics entrepreneurs and innovators to engage with community organizations and for young robot enthusiasts to get hands-on experience with some of the most groundbreaking technologies in the industry. The exciting event lineup will feature activities for the whole city to enjoy and is an annual highlight of the robotics industry nationwide,” says Ariel Foxman, General Manager of Seaport by WS Development. Robot block party The 5th Annual Robot Block Party will take place on October 1, 2022, where the public can see and interact with exciting technology, including drones, autonomous vehicles, collaborative robots, humanoids, robot dogs and flying bionic birds. Visitors can enjoy popular Robot Block Party activities, including robot demonstrations, presentations from area robotics companies and universities, hands-on interactions with robots, games, and more. The event is made possible with sponsorship from Toyota Research Institute, EF Explore America, the MITRE Corporation, MassTech Collaborative, and iRobot, with the support of Boston Seaport by WS Development. More details can be found here. “The world looks to our cluster for innovations and advances in robotics. RoboBoston is a chance to celebrate, recognize and share our robust community. We’re thrilled to grow our Robot Block Party of years past into a robotics celebration that’s larger than ever and engage the community in this showcase of cutting-edge technology,” said Tom Ryden, executive director, MassRobotics. “The excitement from students and families continues to grow; we host many STEM events and student visits at MassRobotics throughout the year. RoboBoston gives students and families a unique, hands-on opportunity to learn about developments in the field and see how robots will impact their lives.”